73°
Partly Sunny
0%
84
Baldwin County, AL · Gulf of Mexico
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
12295 State Hwy 180, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
7,000-acre coastal refuge protecting some of Alabama's last undisturbed barrier-island habitat. Pine Beach Trail leads roughly two miles through pine-oak woodlands and dunes to a quiet stretch of Gulf shoreline favored by sea turtles and migrating birds. No facilities at the beach itself — pack in, pack out.
Today's Conditions
Ideal for swimming.
77°F water · 73°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Partly sunny, with a high near 73. North wind around 10 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 51. North wind around 10 mph.
Weather
- 73°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 77°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
84 /100
great
90 Swim
80 Sunbathe
85 Walk
82 Photo
Best for swimming today
Water level 0.7 ft above predicted
Observed water level is running higher than the astronomical tide prediction. Expect a narrower beach, faster-rising water, and stronger near-shore currents than the tide chart suggests.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
73°F
Clear
Wind
10 mph
N
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
Air Quality
19 Good
PM2.5 (fine particles) · Mobile
Tomorrow
72°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
77°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
8:21 PM
1.5 ft · in 1.8h
Wave Height
2.0 ft
4s · ENE swell
Barometer
30.06 inHg
1018 hPa · buoy 42012
Rip Current Risk · Regional Reference
No zone-specific NWS forecast for this beach (ALZ266)
The MOB office's Surf Zone Forecast doesn't cover this beach's forecast zone directly. Nearby coastal zones it does cover are listed below — regional reference only, not a substitute for the conditions at this specific beach.
- ALZ265 Mobile Coastal-Baldwin Coastal — Dauphin Island, Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores, n/a
- FLZ202 Escambia Coastal-Santa Rosa Coastal-Okaloosa Coastal — Pensacola Beach, Gulf Breeze, Navarre Beach, n/a
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:10 AM
Sunset
4:59 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 6:47 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 8:21 PM | High | 1.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 7:36 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 8:47 PM | High | 1.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 8:25 AM | Low | 0.0 ft |
| 9:19 PM | High | 1.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 9:15 AM | Low | -0.0 ft |
| 9:57 PM | High | 1.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 10:05 AM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 10:39 PM | High | 1.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 10:54 AM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 11:22 PM | High | 1.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 11:39 AM | Low | -0.1 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8735180, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
72°
Mostly Sunny
0%
82
74°
Mostly Sunny
0%
84
74°
Sunny
0%
85
74°
Partly Sunny
3%
84
73°
Mostly Cloudy
13%
67
66°
Sunny
1%
66
What to Bring Today
- recommended SPF 30 sunscreen clear day + warm temps
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 77°F
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Free trailhead lots at the Pine Beach and Jeff Friend trailheads on State Hwy 180.
Dogs
No pets permitted anywhere on the refuge; certified service animals only.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
12295 State Hwy 180, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge today?
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge dog-friendly?
No pets permitted anywhere on the refuge; certified service animals only.
Is there an entry fee at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge?
Entry to Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is free.
Are there lifeguards at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge?
No lifeguards are stationed at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge?
Amenities at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge include visitor center, hiking trails, birdwatching.
When is the water warmest at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge?
The Gulf of Mexico is bathwater-warm by mid-summer — 84-88°F is typical from July through September on the FL Gulf, TX coast, and AL/MS coast. Swimming comfortable from April through October on most of the Gulf.
Where is Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge located?
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is in Baldwin County, AL, at 12295 State Hwy 180, Gulf Shores, AL 36542.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS